Climate action in the United States has been a focal point of discussion and evaluation in recent years. Over the past year, several climate experts have been assessing the U.S.’s efforts to combat climate change. Their consensus? There is more work to be done.
Ari Matusaik, from Rewiring America, gave the U.S. an A- grade for its climate action. Matusaik lauded the billions that have been invested in clean energy projects through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. He also applauded the noticeable growth in sales of heat pumps and electric vehicles, both of which contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions.
Bob Inglis, a former U.S. Representative, also gave a favorable assessment, awarding a B+ grade. A member of the political right, Inglis cited a growing momentum for climate change action among his colleagues as a positive development.
However, not all assessments were as positive. Jean Su, from the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, assigned a C grade to the U.S.’s climate change efforts. While she praised attempts to reduce methane emissions and funding for renewable energy, she expressed disapproval of the continued approval of fossil fuel projects, a major contributor to global warming.
Ramanan Krishnamoorti was critical of the lack of progress made in reforming the permitting process for new electricity transmission. Also, he pointed to the rising opposition to renewable energy projects as a significant setback. His grade for the U.S.’s climate action was disappointingly low.
Hydrologist Anna Liljedahl was the most critical, failing the U.S. for withholding patents on climate technologies from the public. According to Liljedahl, this action impedes the development and use of vital technologies that could help combat climate change.
Interestingly, former U.S. Representative Bob Inglis awarded a “high B+” for bipartisan efforts in the area of low-emissions cement and accountability measures for countries with dirty production practices. This shows the increasing awareness and action even in traditionally high-emission sectors.
Daniel Kammen and Bill McKibben, both advocates for energy and climate action, gave the U.S. an “incomplete” grade. They acknowledged some positive strides, such as the increased investment in clean energy and the rising sales of electric vehicles. However, they also highlighted setbacks, such as the lack of reform in the permitting process for new electricity transmission and the rising opposition to renewable energy projects.
While some progress has been made in the United States’ fight against climate change, many experts agree that there is much more to be done. It is clear that the country must continue to strive for improvement in its climate action in the coming years.
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